June 8, 2010

mind your music: the national

Hello, everyone! It’s Jenna finally! i started a new job and applied to several graduates schools, so i hope you’ll excuse my absence. Stacie has been patient with my tardiness and so now i will reward you all with a post to die for! … i’m kidding of course. However, i am excited to share one of my absolutely favoritest bands – The National.

Who Are They: Originally hailing from Ohio, the five guy ensemble has been around for some time, often writing and playing around regular day jobs. The National’s years and maturity show, with incredibly powerful and intelligent lyrics. They have a familiar yet unique sound, and there’s something poetic and touching about every note.

Favorite Songs: i love all of The National’s albums, each one perfect on its’ own and yet somehow increasingly better as the years go by. Their lyrics are so much more than what may come at first listen, and the aesthetic is something weighty and extravagant. The music has a very large and lonely sound … It’s beautiful. i especially love Alligator’s “City Middle” and “Mr. November” and their new album High Violet’s “England”.

Mr. November

Makes Me Think Of/ Feels Like: Anything that leaves you feeling open and abandoned – driving down highways at sunset, empty starry nights over quietly humming cities, the cool cut of the ocean on your lungs, love, sorrow.

Photographic Genius By: Cool Hand Luke,David Wallace, Damien Rayuela, and Tony Katai i highly recommend them. i rarely hear music that leaves me as wistful and aware of the world about me as The National . And i always appreciate things that make me pause and just breathe.


England

And i’m especially excited because i will get to see The National as well as about a dozen other bands live at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL this August! My friend and i went last year and there were over 200,000 people. It was such a fun experience! i’ll be sure to feature more bands i’m actually going to see in the coming week and take lots of wonderful photos while i’m there … even if i do have to smuggle my D90 in past the front gate (there’s no “professional equipment” allowed). i leave you with happy Lolla photos from 2009 … if you’re in the area, you should definitely go! Until next week!

– Jenna –

June 7, 2010

art for violet’s room

I have been dying for an excuse to purchase some artwork from Amy Blackwell. Last weekend, Amy was running a “Buy 2 Get 1 Print Free” special in her blackoutwell etsy shop, and I could not refuse!
I got these lovelies for Violet’s room:
I chose these lovely ladies from Amy’s “Me and You” series of prints. I like to imagine that one of these girls is what Violet will grow up to look like!

I just wanted to share these special prints with you. Seriously, they are even lovelier in person.

Ta ta!

Stacie

June 6, 2010

gingham

I really love gingham. It is such a perfectly lovely and simple pattern. It is perfect for summer! 
Oh, and in case you missed it, be sure to check out my free downloadable plush raccoon pattern here!
Enjoy!
Stacie

free downloadable raccoon plush pattern

 Hello!
 
Here’s a little FREE Raccoon Plush Pattern I designed today.
Supply List:
2 Sheets of Felt (each a different color)
Needle
Thread
2 Buttons
A bit of PolyFil
Approximate Completion time: 2 Gilmore Girls Episodes
Here are the instructions on how to make your own little cutie!
1. Cut out your pattern and lay it out
2. Trace your pattern onto your fabric and cut out (I used felt for ease of sewing)
 3. Get out your thread and start appliqueing your raccoons front together
4. Once all of your front pieces are attached to the body of the raccoon, flip your tail pieces so that they face each other and sew together, leaving space at the bottom to stuff some polyfil
 5. Once your tail is sewn, flip it inside out and stuff a bit of polyfil in for a nice soft plush tail
6. Next, take your tail and ears and fold them down over the front of your raccoon (you can use pins if you want to hold them in place)
7. Take the back side of your raccoon and lay it on top of the prepared front of the raccoon. Stitch the two sides together, leaving a gap on one side to flip your raccoon right side out
8. Once you have flipped the raccoon right side out, take your two buttons and sew in place. I used one for the eye and one for the nose.
9. Now take some more polyfil and stuff your little raccoon. Once stuffed, take your needle and thread and stitch closed
10. All finished!
My Little Raccoon Loves to hang out next to my sewing box. He is so friendly that he has already made friends with a couple of owls!
I hope you like it. Let me know if you have any trouble following the pattern… I am writing this wayyyy past my bedtime.
-Stacie

June 5, 2010

update is live! free shipping this weekend!

Gingiber Shop Update is LIVE folks!
8 New Prints! I have a few more items in the pipeline that were not ready for Friday’s update, but soon they will appear!
To get free shipping, leave the following message to the seller: Summertime Free Shipping! Shipping cost will be refunded through PayPal!
 girl and boy school picture day print

Thanks for all the love! I have been neglecting my blog long enough! get ready for some great fun updates!

-Stacie

June 4, 2010

tomorrow is the update!

Here is a tiny sneak peak, featuring a new illustration. 
I just love the colors, and paper cranes! What do you think?
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s Gingiber Etsy Shop Update!!!

-Stacie

June 3, 2010

knighty knight

June 2, 2010

a little sneak peak

Here is a sneak peak of some of the new prints that will be in the shop this Friday! Can you stand it???
I am creating a few prints based off of elementary school photos. This girl looks like I did in the 1st grade: blond permed hair with a plaid uniform and a bow that just would not quit!
Oh, and I printed out my “Darling Buds of May” Print really large and framed it over my desk.
I spraypained this old frame…. wish I had before photos.

More in depth sneak peaks to come! I am also working on a FREE downloadable stuffed animal pattern for all of my awesome reader… probably have it ready next week.

Thanks!
Stacie

June 1, 2010

weekend fun

Quick Hello!
We had a blast with the family in Dallas over the weekend. I will just share a few pictures of my cutie pie Violet. She went swimming in a pool for the first time!
my sister-in-law snapped this cute picture of me and miss Violet!
Be sure to check back later this week. I am rolling out a new bunch of prints for the summertime, and you will see them first here!
Thanks a bunch!

Stacie

May 28, 2010

exciting gingiber news!

 
If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, my Gingiber Artwork will be sold soon at brand new store called “PackRats”! I am beyond thrilled!
This is my first consignment work, and let me tell you that it is a HUGE confidence booster. I have tried to get my work sold in other stores, but no one has been interested. This time, Rachael (who sells on etsy under the shop “softspoken“) contacted little old me! She will be selling 6 of my prints:
I hope it is okay to speak about it on here, but I so happy I could not keep quiet.

I have been a little worker bee this evening, printing and packaging all of the prints.

So, I have been really down for several weeks, and this boosted my spirit so much! It really means a lot when a complete stranger seeks you out because they like your product!
That is all!
Have a wonderful evening!

Stacie